MLB playoff race: How Clayton Kershaw, other pitchers’ health will be key
By Nick Ziegler
The MLB Playoff race is heating up in the National League with some great competition for the Wild Card. How will the health of Clayton Kershaw and others affect the playoff race?
There have been a few star pitchers that have been sidelined with the race toward the playoffs heating up. The most notable injury to a pitcher this season has been the back injury of Clayton Kershaw. The star left-hander has been out with a back injury since June 26.
That June 26 start against the Pittsburgh Pirates was one of the worst of the season for Kershaw, as his back began to act up. This season, Kershaw has totaled an 11-2 record and 1.79 ERA.
Kershaw has continued to prove that he is the best pitcher in baseball this season, but his team has been fighting hard without him. The Dodgers currently hold a slim lead over the San Francisco Giants in the NL West, even without Kershaw. The struggles of the Giants in the second half of the season have played a big part in the Dodgers being able to hop them in the division.
Kershaw was recently able to pitch a two-inning simulated game, and his return appears to be close.
Clayton Kershaw threw two innings in his sim game. Next step remains TBA. Roberts said he hasn't talked to Kershaw yet.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 30, 2016
Getting a player like Kershaw back in September will be huge for the Dodgers. Winning the NL West is very important for them to avoid having to play in a one-game Wild Card game.
Two other teams that can only hope to get one of the two Wild Card spots in the National League are the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets. The Pirates are another team that as been without their ace for a good chunk of the season. Pitcher Gerrit Cole missed a large portion of the summer because of a triceps issue, and he recently went on the disabled list with an elbow issue.
No concern about bone spurs for Cole. Elbow issue not related to triceps strain. Expects to pitch again this season.
— Bill Brink (@Bill_Brink2) August 30, 2016
Luckily, Cole doesn’t have anything seriously wrong with his elbow, and he is expected back this season. Injuries have held Cole back a little, but he can still be a difference-maker for the Pirates down the stretch.
In addition to the Pirates battling for a playoff spot with an injured pitcher, the Mets are in the same situation. Left-handed pitcher Steven Matz was scheduled to start on Thursday for the Mets before having his start pushed back.
Steven Matz has been scratched. His shoulder "isn't ready to go." DeGrom will pitch Thursday.
— Doug Williams (@DougWilliamsTV) August 30, 2016
Arm issues have been an issue for Matz this season, as he has bone spurs in his elbow. Possibly because of the bone spurs, Matz is now also dealing with a shoulder issue. The Mets’ rotation has been hit hard with injuries this season. They recently lost Matt Harvey to a season-ending surgery for the season a few months back.
In addition to Matz being injured, Jacob deGrom recently had his start pushed back after being hit hard in his previous two starts. The Mets have had a recent surge in the standings thanks to the return of Yoenis Cespedes. While the offense finally coming alive is good for the Mets, they will need their rotation to be healthy in September.
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As a result of injuries to key pitchers for these possible playoff teams, they all might receive a huge boost in September if and when they return. Since nothing is set in stone with any of the three, it will be interesting to monitor where their teams are in the standings upon their return.